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Göttlich M, Chatterjee K, Moran C, Heldmann M, Rogge B, Cirkel A, Brabant G, Münte TF. Altered brain functional connectivity in patients with resistance to thyroid hormone ß. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306538. [PMID: 39172991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
To investigate changes in brain network organization and possible neurobehavioral similarities to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we measured changes in brain resting-state functional connectivity (rs-fMRI) and cognitive domains in patients with resistance to thyroid hormone β (RTHβ) and compared them with those in healthy control subjects. In this prospective case-control study, twenty-one participants with genetically confirmed RTHβ were matched with 21 healthy controls. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) and ADHD Rating Scale-IV were used to assess self-reported symptoms of ADHD. A voxel-wise and atlas-based approach was used to identify changes in the brain networks. The RTHβ group reported behavioral symptoms similar to those of ADHD. We found evidence of weaker network integration of the lingual and fusiform gyri in the RTHβ group, which was mainly driven by weaker connectivity to the bilateral insula and supplementary motor cortex. Functional connectivity between regions of the default mode network (angular gyrus/middle temporal gyrus) and regions of the cognitive control network (bilateral middle frontal gyrus) was increased in RTHβ patients compared to healthy controls. Increased connectivity between regions of the default mode network and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is frequently reported in ADHD and is interpreted to be associated with deficits in attention. Our finding of weaker connectivity of the lingual gyrus to the bilateral insula (salience network) in RTHβ patients has also been reported previously in ADHD and may reflect decreased habituation to visual stimuli and increased distractibility. Overall, our observations support the notion of neuropsychological similarities between RTHβ and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Göttlich
- Institute of Medical Psychology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Krishna Chatterjee
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carla Moran
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus Heldmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Psychology II, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Berenike Rogge
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anna Cirkel
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Georg Brabant
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thomas F Münte
- Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Wertman E. Essential New Complexity-Based Themes for Patient-Centered Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia and Predementia in Older People: Multimorbidity and Multilevel Phenomenology. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4202. [PMID: 39064242 PMCID: PMC11277671 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a highly prevalent condition with devastating clinical and socioeconomic sequela. It is expected to triple in prevalence by 2050. No treatment is currently known to be effective. Symptomatic late-onset dementia and predementia (SLODP) affects 95% of patients with the syndrome. In contrast to trials of pharmacological prevention, no treatment is suggested to remediate or cure these symptomatic patients. SLODP but not young onset dementia is intensely associated with multimorbidity (MUM), including brain-perturbating conditions (BPCs). Recent studies showed that MUM/BPCs have a major role in the pathogenesis of SLODP. Fortunately, most MUM/BPCs are medically treatable, and thus, their treatment may modify and improve SLODP, relieving suffering and reducing its clinical and socioeconomic threats. Regrettably, the complex system features of SLODP impede the diagnosis and treatment of the potentially remediable conditions (PRCs) associated with them, mainly due to failure of pattern recognition and a flawed diagnostic workup. We suggest incorporating two SLODP-specific conceptual themes into the diagnostic workup: MUM/BPC and multilevel phenomenological themes. By doing so, we were able to improve the diagnostic accuracy of SLODP components and optimize detecting and favorably treating PRCs. These revolutionary concepts and their implications for remediability and other parameters are discussed in the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Wertman
- Department of Neurology, Hadassah University Hospital, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9190500, Israel;
- Section of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9190500, Israel
- Or’ad: Organization for Cognitive and Behavioral Changes in the Elderly, Jerusalem 9458118, Israel
- Merhav Neuropsychogeriatric Clinics, Nehalim 4995000, Israel
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Salas-Lucia F. Mapping Thyroid Hormone Action in the Human Brain. Thyroid 2024; 34:815-826. [PMID: 38757586 PMCID: PMC11295854 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2024.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Background: Normal brain development, mood, and cognitive functions depend on thyroid hormone (TH) action. However, little is known about how TH mediates its actions in the human brain. This is due to limited access to human brains deprived of TH during fetal and early postnatal life, as well as from adults with altered thyroid status. One way to partially bypass these limitations is by using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, two neuroimaging techniques that provide detailed, noninvasive information on human brain structure and function. Another way is using human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSCs)-derived three-dimensional in vitro systems, known as brain organoids, which allow for the study of fundamental aspects of the early stages of human brain development. Summary: This narrative review focuses on neuroimaging and brain organoid studies. Neuroimaging of human brains performed in individuals with different thyroid conditions provides information on the volume, myelination, blood flow, neural activity, and connectivity of different areas. Such studies show that suboptimal thyroid status can impact human brain development and its normal function throughout life. This is true not only for patients with sporadic congenital hypothyroidism, during pregnancy or early after birth, but also for adult patients with hypo- or hyperthyroidism, patients carrying mutations that manifest as impaired sensitivity to TH, and even for normal individuals during aging. Studies using brain organoids generated from hiPSCs of healthy individuals or patients with thyroid genetic conditions provide insights into how TH can impact the early development of the human cerebral cortex. Conclusions: The developmental alterations in children born to mothers with different degrees of gestational hypothyroidism or who developed hypothyroidism early in life are remarkable, affecting multiple brain regions and pathways, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, interhemispheric and corticospinal tracts, and associative nuclei. The data connecting such changes to poor neurological outcomes in adult patients with hypothyroidism represent an objective link between thyroid-specific functional brain alterations and behavior. Growing brain organoids require TH, which is critical for human neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis. These models have proven useful in screening drugs with potential therapeutic effects for patients with genetic thyroid diseases.
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Cui Z, Meng L, Zhang Q, Lou J, Lin Y, Sun Y. White and Gray Matter Abnormalities in Young Adult Females with Dependent Personality Disorder: A Diffusion-Tensor Imaging and Voxel-Based Morphometry Study. Brain Topogr 2024; 37:102-115. [PMID: 37831323 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-01013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
We applied diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) including measurements of fractional anisotropy (FA), a parameter of neuronal fiber integrity, mean diffusivity (MD), a parameter of brain tissue integrity, as well as voxel-based morphometry (VBM), a measure of gray and white matter volume, to provide a basis to improve our understanding of the neurobiological basis of dependent personality disorder (DPD). DTI was performed on young girls with DPD (N = 17) and young female healthy controls (N = 17). Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) were used to examine microstructural characteristics. Gray matter volume differences between the two groups were investigated using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). The Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to examine the relationship between distinct brain areas of white matter and gray matter and the Dy score on the MMPI. The DPD had significantly higher fractional anisotropy (FA) values than the HC group in the right retrolenticular part of the internal capsule, right external capsule, the corpus callosum, right posterior thalamic radiation (include optic radiation), right cerebral peduncle (p < 0.05), which was strongly positively correlated with the Dy score of MMPI. The volume of gray matter in the right postcentral gyrus and left cuneus in DPD was significantly increased (p < 0.05), which was strongly positively correlated with the Dy score of MMPI (r1,2= 0.467,0.353; p1,2 = 0.005,0.04). Our results provide new insights into the changes in the brain structure in DPD, which suggests that alterations in the brain structure might implicate the pathophysiology of DPD. Possible visual and somatosensory association with motor nerve circuits in DPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixia Cui
- Weifang Mental Health Center, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | | | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Jing Lou
- Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- First Clinical Department, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yueji Sun
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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Zhao S, Wu J, Liu X, Du Y, Wang X, Xia Y, Sun H, Huang Y, Zou H, Wang X, Chen Z, Zhou H, Yan R, Tang H, Lu Q, Yao Z. Altered resting-state brain activity in major depressive disorder comorbid with subclinical hypothyroidism: A regional homogeneity analysis. Brain Res Bull 2023; 202:110754. [PMID: 37683703 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD), a common mental disorder worldwide, frequently coexists with various physical illnesses, and recent studies have shown an increased prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SHypo) among MDD patients. However, the neural mechanisms shared and unique to these disorders and the associated alterations in brain function remain largely unknown. This study investigated the potential brain function mechanisms underlying comorbid MDD and SHypo. METHOD Thirty MDD patients (non-comorbid group), 30 MDD patients comorbid with SHypo (comorbid group), 26 patients with SHypo, and 30 healthy controls were recruited for resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). We used regional homogeneity (ReHo) to examine differences in internal cerebral activity across the four groups. RESULTS Compared with the non-comorbid group, the comorbid group exhibited significantly higher ReHo values in the right orbital part of the middle frontal gyrus (ORBmid) and bilateral middle frontal gyrus; decreased ReHo values in the right middle temporal gyrus, right thalamus, and right superior temporal gyrus, and right insula. Within the comorbid group, serum TSH levels were negatively associated with the ReHo values of the right insula; the ReHo values of the right Insula were negatively associated with the retardation factor score; the ReHo values of the right ORBmid were positively correlated with the anxiety/somatization factor scores. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide valuable clues for exploring the shared neural mechanisms between MDD and SHypo and have important implications for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of the comorbidity of the two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China; Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China; Anhui Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, China; Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jindan Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yishan Du
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yi Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yinghong Huang
- Nanjing Brain Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Haowen Zou
- Nanjing Brain Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xumiao Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zhilu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hongliang Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Qing Lu
- School of Biological Sciences & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Child Development and Learning Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, China.
| | - Zhijian Yao
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China; Nanjing Brain Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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Alhowail AH, Aldubayan MA. The Impact of Metformin on the Development of Hypothyroidism and Cardiotoxicity Induced by Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and Fluorouracil in Rats. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1312. [PMID: 37765120 PMCID: PMC10535803 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide (CYP), methotrexate (MTX), and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are extensively utilized in the therapeutic management of various malignancies. It is noteworthy, however, that potential chemotherapy-related complications include the occurrence of hypothyroidism and cardiotoxicity. Metformin (MET) is a pharmacological agent for managing type 2 diabetes. It has been reported to mitigate certain toxic manifestations associated with chemotherapy. This study's primary objective is to investigate MET's protective effects against hypothyroidism and cardiotoxicity induced by CMF treatment. A total of forty male rats were allocated into four distinct groups, each consisting of ten rats per group. These groups were categorized as follows: saline, MET, CMF, and CMF + MET. The experimental group of rats were administered CMF via intraperitoneal injection, receiving two doses of CMF, and fed MET in their daily drinking water, with a 2.5 mg/mL concentration. Blood samples were collected into EDTA tubes for assessment of TSH, free and total (T4 and T3), troponin I, CK, and CK-MB levels utilizing Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassays (ECI). The saline and MET groups did not exhibit significant alterations in thyroid hormones or cardiotoxic biomarkers. In contrast, in the CMF group, there was a notable reduction in T4, FT4, T3, and FT3 levels but no significant changes in TSH levels; however, troponin I, CK, and CK-MB levels were notably elevated. MET co-treatment with CMF did not ameliorate these effects caused by CMF. In conclusion, CMF treatment induced hypothyroidism and cardiotoxicity in rats, but MET co-treatment did not rescue the reduction of thyroid hormones or the elevation of cardiotoxic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad H. Alhowail
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
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Su W, Zhao L, Bao S, Qin R, Cao J, Tian J, Han Y, Zhang T, Chen C, Shi Q, Guo Q, Shao F, Tian L. Alterations in gray matter morphology and functional connectivity in adult patients with newly diagnosed, untreated hypothyroidism. Thyroid 2023. [PMID: 37130043 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Untreated adult hypothyroidism may be associated with cognitive and emotional impairment, but the precise underlying neuropathological mechanism is unknown. We investigated the brain morphological and functional abnormalities associated with cognition and emotion in hypothyroidism. METHODS This is a cross-sectional observational study. Forty-four newly diagnosed adult hypothyroid patients and 54 well-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. All participants underwent 3D T1WI and resting-state functional brain MRI. Morphological and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analyses were performed to compare the inter-group differences. Neuropsychological tests, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-24), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) were administered. Thyroid function test and blood lipid levels were measured. Correlations were computed between neuropsychological and biochemical measures with neuroimaging indices. Sensitive morphological or functional neuroimaging indicators were identified using ROC analysis. RESULTS Compared with HC, hypothyroid patients demonstrated lower total and subdomain scores on the MoCA and higher HAMD-24 and HAMA scores. Morphological analysis revealed the hypothyroid patients had significantly reduced gray matter (GM) volumes in the right superior frontal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, and supplementary motor area as well as significantly increased GM volumes in the bilateral cerebellar CrusⅠand left precentral gyrus. Furthermore, MRIs of hypothyroid patients showed increased FC between the right cerebellar CrusⅠand left precentral gyrus, triangular part of the inferior frontal gyrus, and angular gyrus of the inferior parietal lobe. The language scores of the MoCA were positively correlated with Jacobian values of the left supplementary motor area (r = 0.391, P = 0.046) and precentral gyrus (r = 0.401, P = 0.039). ROC analysis revealed FC value between cerebellar CrusⅠand angular gyrus could differentiate groups with relatively high accuracy (sensitivity: 75%, specificity: 77.8%, AUC: 0.794, 95% CI: 0.701-0.888, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Untreated adult-onset hypothyroidism may be associated with impaired cognition and anxiety or depression. GM morphological alterations and FC of the cerebellum with subregions of the frontal and parietal lobes may represent key neuropathological mechanisms underlying the cognitive deterioration and mood dysregulation observed in hypothyroid adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Su
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 91589, Department of Endocrinology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Province, 118136, Gansu Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Ningxia Medical University, 105002, School of Clinical Medicine, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China;
| | - Lianping Zhao
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 91589, Department of Radiology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China;
| | - Shisan Bao
- The University of Sydney, 4334, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia;
| | - Rui Qin
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 91589, Department of Endocrinology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Province, 118136, Gansu Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Lanzhou, Gansu, China;
| | - Jiancang Cao
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 91589, Department of Radiology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China;
| | - Jing Tian
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 91589, Department of Radiology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China;
| | - Yalan Han
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 91589, Department of Radiology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China;
| | - Taotao Zhang
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 91589, Department of Endocrinology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Province, 118136, Gansu Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Lanzhou, Gansu, China;
| | - Chen Chen
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 91589, Department of Radiology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China;
| | - Qian Shi
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 91589, Department of Radiology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China;
| | - Qian Guo
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 91589, Department of Endocrinology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Province, 118136, Gansu Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Lanzhou, Gansu, China;
| | - Feifei Shao
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 91589, Department of Endocrinology, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Province, 118136, Gansu Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Lanzhou, Gansu, China;
| | - Limin Tian
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, 91589, Department of Endocrinology, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province, 118136, Gansu Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Lanzhou, Gansu, China;
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Sharma B, Nowikow C, DeMatteo C, Noseworthy MD, Timmons BW. Sex-specific differences in resting-state functional brain activity in pediatric concussion. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3284. [PMID: 36841854 PMCID: PMC9968337 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30195-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric concussion has a rising incidence and can lead to long-term symptoms in nearly 30% of children. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) disturbances are a common pathological feature of pediatric concussion, though no studies have explicitly examined sex-differences with respect to this outcome, precluding a sex-specific understanding of the functional neuropathology of pediatric concussion. Therefore, we performed a secondary data analysis of rs-fMRI data collected on children with concussion (n = 29) recruited from in a pediatric hospital setting, with greater than 12:1 matched control data accessed from the open-source ABIDE-II database. Seed-based and region of interest (ROI) analyses were used to examine sex-based rs-fMRI differences; threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE) and a family-wise error (FWE) corrected p-values were used to identify significantly different clusters. In comparing females with concussion to healthy females, groupwise differences were observed irrespective of seed selected. Notably, we observed (in order of largest effect) hypo-connectivity between the anterior cingulate cortex of the salience network and the thalamus and precuneus (TFCE = 1473.5, p-FWE < 0.001) and the cingulate gyrus (TFCE = 769.3, p-FWE = 0.009), and the seed (posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)) of the default mode network and the paracingulate gyrus (TFCE = 1275.7, p-FWE < 0.001), occipital pole right (TFCE = 1045.0, p-FWE = 0.001), and sub-callosal cortex (TFCE = 844.9, p-FWE = 0.005). Hyper-connectivity was observed between the salience network seed and the cerebellum (TFCE = 1719.3, p-FWE < 0.001) and the PCC and the thalamus (TFCE = 1198.3, p-FWE < 0.001), cuneal cortex (1070.9, p-FWE = 0.001), and lateral occipital cortex left (TFCE = 832.8, p-FWE = 0.006). ROI analyses showed 10 and 5 significant clusters of hypo- and hyper-connectivity in females, respectively. Only one cluster of difference was found between males with concussion and healthy males on seed-based analyses, and 3 clusters on ROI analyses. There are alterations in rs-fMRI in females with concussion at one-month post-injury that are minimally present in males, which provides further evidence that recovery timelines in pediatric concussion may differ by sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanu Sharma
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Child Health and Exercise Medicine Program, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S4L8 Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Imaging Research Centre, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Cameron Nowikow
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Imaging Research Centre, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Carol DeMatteo
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Michael D. Noseworthy
- grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Imaging Research Centre, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Brian W. Timmons
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Child Health and Exercise Medicine Program, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S4L8 Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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Abstract
Background: Some levothyroxine (LT4)-treated hypothyroid patients report a constellation of persistent and distressing cognitive symptoms that has been termed brain fog. This narrative review focuses on attempts to define and measure hypothyroid-associated brain fog, summarize possible etiologies and contributing factors, present treatment options, and propose avenues for future research. Methods: Published literature was reviewed to summarize available information on patient-reported symptoms associated with brain fog in hypothyroidism, as well as objective evidence of impairment based on neurocognitive testing and functional imaging studies. Given the limited information specific for hypothyroid-associated brain fog, relevant data from other medical conditions associated with brain fog were also reviewed and incorporated into recommendations for clinical care and future research areas. Results: Hypothyroid-associated brain fog has not been well defined or quantitated, and the underlying pathophysiology is unclear. Symptoms vary among patients but commonly include fatigue, depressed mood, and cognitive difficulties in the areas of memory and executive function. Symptoms often predate the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, and the magnitude of cognitive impairment can range from mild to severe. Regardless of severity, these symptoms are associated with impaired quality of life and cause dissatisfaction with treatment, so often lead to requests for alternate therapies. Disease-specific and psychological factors impact the experience of brain fog in complex ways, including potential limitations in LT4 monotherapy, self-knowledge of a disease state, and expectations for therapeutic effects. Conclusions: Brain fog is a variable symptom complex in people with hypothyroidism, causing significant distress and diminished quality of life. In the absence of proven therapies, individualized treatment plans are recommended, which incorporate thyroid-specific, general medical, and psychosocial approaches. In particular, cognitive rehabilitation is an underutilized technique that is beneficial in other medical conditions associated with brain fog and could improve symptoms in hypothyroid people. The limitations in our current knowledge and questions presented throughout this review highlight a major need for clinical research in this understudied area. Future research should include attention to standardization of survey instruments to quantitate brain fog in hypothyroid people, as well as rigorously designed intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary H. Samuels
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Address correspondence to: Mary H. Samuels, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Road, CR107, Portland, OR 97221, USA
| | - Lori J. Bernstein
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Zhao S, Xia Y, Huang Y, Zou H, Wang X, Chen Z, Zhou H, Han Y, Tang H, Yan R, Yao Z, Lu Q. The Correlation Between Thyroid Function, Frontal Gray Matter, and Executive Function in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:779693. [PMID: 34887837 PMCID: PMC8649711 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.779693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was aimed to investigate the relationships between serum thyroid hormones (THs), frontal gray matter volume, and executive function in selected patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). One hundred and four MDD patients and seventy-five healthy controls (HCs) were subjected to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free Triiodothyronine (fT3), free Thyroxine (fT4), and executive function tests and underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was performed to compare group differences in the gray matter for the frontal lobe. Furthermore, mediation analysis was used to investigate whether gray matter volumes of the frontal gyrus mediated the relationship between serum THs and executive function in MDD patients. MDD patients exhibited significant gray matter volume reduction in several brain regions, including the left rectus, right middle frontal cortex, and left middle frontal cortex. Serum TSH levels are positively associated with altered regional gray matter volume patterns within MFG and executive function. Importantly, gray matter in the right MFG was a significant mediator between serum TSH levels and executive function. These findings expand our understanding of how thyroid function affects brain structure changes and executive function in MDD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinghong Huang
- Nanjing Brain Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haowen Zou
- Nanjing Brain Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xumiao Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhilu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongliang Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinglin Han
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhijian Yao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Brain Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhijian Yao, ; Qing Lu,
| | - Qing Lu
- School of Biological Sciences & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Child Development and Learning Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhijian Yao, ; Qing Lu,
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11
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Zhang Y, Yang Y, Tao B, Lv Q, Lui S, He L. Gray Matter and Regional Brain Activity Abnormalities in Subclinical Hypothyroidism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:582519. [PMID: 33716959 PMCID: PMC7943870 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.582519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) brain structure and resting state of functional activity have remained unexplored. PURPOSE To investigate gray matter volume (GMV) and regional brain activity with the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) in subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) patients before and after treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 54 SCH and 41 age-, sex-, and education-matched controls. GMV and fALFF of SCH were compared with controls and between pre- and post-treatment within SCH group. Correlations of GMV and fALFF in SCH with thyroid function status and mood scales were assessed by multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS Compared to controls, GMV in SCH was significantly decreased in Orbital part of inferior frontal, superior frontal, pre-/postcentral, inferior occipital, and temporal pole gyrus. FALFF values in SCH were significantly increased in right angular, left middle frontal, and left superior frontal gyrus. After treatment, there were no significant changes in GMV and the local brain function compared to pre-treatment, however the GMV and fALFF of the defective brain areas were improved. Additionally, decreased values of fALFF in left middle frontal gyrus were correlated with increased mood scales. CONCLUSION In this study we found that patients with SCH, the gray matter volume in some brain areas were significantly reduced, and regional brain activity was significantly increased. After treatment, the corresponding structural and functional deficiencies had a tendency for improvement. These changes may reveal the neurological mechanisms of mood disorder in SCH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaqiong Yang
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Tao
- Huaxi MR Research Center, Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingguo Lv
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Su Lui
- Huaxi MR Research Center, Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Li He, ; Su Lui,
| | - Li He
- Neurology Department, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Li He, ; Su Lui,
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12
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Wang YM, Zhang YJ, Cai XL, Yang HX, Shan HD, Cheung EFC, Chan RCK. Altered grey matter volume and white matter integrity in individuals with high schizo-obsessive traits, high schizotypal traits and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Asian J Psychiatr 2020; 52:102096. [PMID: 32315977 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Altered brain structures have been found in patients with schizo-obsessive disorder, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder in previous studies. However, it is unclear whether similar brain changes are also found in individuals with high schizo-obsessive traits (SOT), high schizotypal traits (SCT) and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS). We examined grey matter volume (GMV) and white matter integrity (WMI, including fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity) in 26 individuals with high SOT, 30 individuals with high SCT, 25 individuals with OCS and 30 individuals with low trait scores (LT) in this study. Correlation analysis between GMV, WMI, Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) scores and Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) scores in the subclinical groups was also carried out. We found that the SOT group exhibited increased GMV at the right superior occipital gyrus and the left postcentral gyrus compared with the LT group. The SCT group exhibited increased GMV at the right precentral gyrus and the bilateral cuneus compared with the LT group, and decreased fractional anisotropy at the anterior corona radiata compared with the other three groups. The OCS group exhibited increased GMV at the left superior temporal gyrus and decreased GMV at the left pre-supplementary motor area compared with the LT group. These findings highlight specific brain changes in individuals with high SOT, high SCT and OCS, and may thus provide new insights into the neurobiological changes that occur in sub-clinical populations of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ming Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, 100101, PR China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China; Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100190, PR China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yi-Jing Zhang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, 100101, PR China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xin-Lu Cai
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, 100101, PR China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China; Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100190, PR China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Han-Xue Yang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, 100101, PR China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hai-di Shan
- Translational Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Eric F C Cheung
- Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, PR China
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, 100101, PR China; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China; Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100190, PR China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China.
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13
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Kalra P, Kumaraswamy DR, Dharmalingam M, Saini J, Yadav R. Neuropsychological Impairments in Young Patients With Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Case Control Study. Ann Neurosci 2020; 27:169-174. [PMID: 34556956 PMCID: PMC8455001 DOI: 10.1177/0972753121990177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a lack of clarity about the cognitive dysfunction in young patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). This study was done to explore the neuropsychological impairments in young patients with SCH and compare them with euthyroid controls. Methods: Patients between 18 and 45 years of age and diagnosed with SCH were recruited. Controls were euthyroid age, gender, and education matched. All the cases and controls underwent a detailed neuropsychological assessment with a battery of tests validated for use in the age groups of 18 to 65 years. Results: Thirty-nine patients with a mean age of 30.3 ± 7.7 years (female:male ratio 12:1) and 23 controls (female:male ratio 21:2) with a mean age of 33.4 ± 7.1 years (P = .24) were included in the study. The mean TSH value was 6.36 ± 1.3 mIU/L and 2.49 ± 1.03 mIU/L in cases and controls, respectively (P < .001). The visual memory delayed recall was impaired, in 48.71% (n = 19) and 21.7% (n = 5) cases and controls, respectively (P = .03). The category fluency test showed impairment in a greater number of cases (35.9%, n = 14) as compared to controls (13%, n = 3; P = .04). Conclusion: This study shows that younger patients with SCH have delayed visual memory recall and category fluency deficits, which are suggestive of dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe in young SCH patients. These impairments may justify the treatment of young SCH patients with replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramila Kalra
- Department of Endocrinology, M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - D R Kumaraswamy
- Department of Neuropsychology, M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Mala Dharmalingam
- Department of Endocrinology, M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Jitender Saini
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ravi Yadav
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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14
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Göbel A, Göttlich M, Reinwald J, Rogge B, Uter JC, Heldmann M, Sartorius A, Brabant G, Münte TF. The Influence of Thyroid Hormones on Brain Structure and Function in Humans. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2020; 128:432-436. [PMID: 32040963 DOI: 10.1055/a-1101-9090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The pleiotropic function of thyroid hormones (TH) is mediated by an organ specific expression of thyroid hormone transporters, deiodinases and TH receptors. In a series of studies we used the model of an experimentally induced hyper- or hypothyroidism in human volunteers to delineate TH action on the brain. A battery of neuropsychological testing paradigms was employed and complemented by structural and functional multimodal neuroimaging. Experimentally induced mild thyrotoxicosis for 6 weeks was associated with changes in brain structure (determined with voxel-based morphometry), resting state functional connectivity, and task-related functional activation in a working memory paradigm. Partial withdrawal of TH replacement in patients without thyroid (subclinical hypothyroidism) likewise lead to changes on multiple functional and structural brain measures. Importantly, the series of studies reviewed here identified the cerebellum as one crucial site of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Göbel
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Martin Göttlich
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Berenike Rogge
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Marcus Heldmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Psychology II, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Georg Brabant
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thomas F Münte
- Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Psychology II, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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